13 Day Tour from Madrid to Madrid

Vacation Overview

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Discover the best of these two colorful countries on this exciting vacation to the regions of Castile, La Mancha, Andalusia, Costa del Sol, and Oporto. Among the highlights: visit the walled city of Toledo with its St Tome Church, made famous by El Greco’s paintings, and Granada’s royal Alhambra complex. Also experience sunny Malaga and its surrounding resort villages, the “White Towns of Andalusia,” historic Ronda, spectacular Seville, enchanting Evora, delightful Lisbon, and the famed Fátima sanctuary. Stop in Oporto, rich in culture and history and known for its Port wine production, as well as Salamanca, Avila, and Segovia, precious jewels in the heart of Spain. Spend your last two nights in Madrid, with an included sightseeing tour of this dynamic capital city.

Day 1Arrive in Madrid, Spain

Day 2Madrid–Toledo–Granada

The morning begins with a short drive south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital attracts more visitors fromaround the world than any other Spanish town. Time to visit the old walled city with a Local Guide and visit the 12th-century CHURCH OF ST. TOME, known for its large-format painting by El Greco of The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Later, cross the Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves that dot the rolling Andalusian hills. Overnight in history-steeped Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. (B,D)

Day 3Granada–Malaga

Today, join a Local Guide for an included visit of the ALHAMBRA, a lavish palace and fortress complex built by Moorish kings. With construction dating back to 889 AD, you'll marvel at its architectural beauty and magnificent gardens. Then, through the countryside to the coastal town of Malaga for an overnight. Don't miss out on the optional excursion to Mijas, a typical Andalusian market town with some enchanting views of the coast from its upper terrace. (B)

Day 4Malaga–Ronda–Seville

Today is an included visit to Ronda, one of the most historic towns in the region. Then, drive through the stunningly scenic area of Pueblos Blancos—the “White Towns of Andalusia”. This picturesque region is famous for the deep El Tajo gorge that literally cuts it in two, and is the birthplace of modern bullfighting. On to vibrant, festive Seville. (B,D)

Day 5Seville

Capital of Andalusia and the cultural and financial center of southern Spain, colorful Seville has much to offer: the Cathedral of Seville, once the third-largest church in the world after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London; the beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; the Real Alcázar palace with its extravagant architecture and opulent gardens; Plaza de España, used in the filming of Episodes I and II in the Star Wars films; and so much more. An optional sightseeing tour of the main highlights provide a great introduction. (B)

Day 6Seville–Evora, Portugal–Lisbon

This morning, enjoy the scenery of the Sierra de Aracena before crossing into Portugal and the fertile plains of the Alentejo. Admire the forest of cork trees and make a stop in Evora, a delightfully attractive Moorish city with arches, alleys, flower-decked balconies, and brilliant white houses. Take the motorway for the drive into Lisbon for two overnights. (B)

Day 7Lisbon

Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” You’ll see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the impressive Black Horse Square, and other highlights on the guided sightseeing excursion. Spend the afternoon in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets, or take an optional excursion along the Estoril Coast to Cascais and Sintra. (B)

Day 8Lisbon–Fátima–Coimbra–Oporto

Head north this morning by way of Santarém and stop in Fátima for a visit of its world-famous SHRINE dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Later, continue to Coimbra, known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, and to Oporto on the northern bank of the Douro River. For the perfect way to round out your day, why not join an optional Douro River dinner cruise? (B)

Day 9Oporto

Included sightseeing with a Local Guide shows off many of the city's highlights this morning. This afternoon, maybe join an optional excursion to Guimarães, considered the "cradle" of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its magnificent 10th-century castle in the center of town has been classified one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Tonight, enjoy the included dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 10Oporto–Salamanca, Spain

A profusion of woodlands and mountains on your way to Spain by way of Fuentes de Onoro and Ciudad Rodrigo, located high above the Rio Agueda. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the early evening. (B)

Day 11Salamanca–Avila–Segovia–Madrid

Leave Salamanca this morning, still visualizing its charming Plaza Mayor. Journey to fortified Avila with its many towers for an orientation tour. Visit St. Theresa’s CONVENT before continuing to Segovia for a visit of this medieval town picturesquely set on a rocky hill. Cross the boundary between new and old Castile to arrive in Madrid. (B)

Day 12Madrid

Not only is it the capital of Spain, but because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say Madrid is the nearest thing to heaven. Enjoy the main highlights on the included guided sightseeing excursion. (B)

Buffet breakfasts; 4 dinners, including a dinner at a local restaurant in Oporto

With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

ANGEL DÍAZ DE MIGUEL

Years of Experience: 10 years

I'm Angel and I´m here, waiting to meet you and introduce you to incredible Iberia! Just remember to clear your senses before you come, because my plan is to fill them back up with enticing flavors, smells, sounds, and sights from the beautiful countries of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco!

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on the The Best of Spain & Portugal: